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Hi All Happy monday! I am feeling a little better. I have decided that the rib belt thingy I am wearing (and supposed to wear for 2 more weeks has gotta go! It is stopping up all and I mean all the plumbing! I will just wear brace, the heck with it. It is cold, Fall has arrived ! I love fall but like cool weather, but hate cold weather. A true dichotamy(so) I hope everyone takes it easy and doesn't overdue it.
Yep! I finally realized that I had not done a new discussion for Sept or Oct yet, so I got it done late last night.
I've got to order Sis's groceries again today and make her doggie a grooming apt. My Sister is working her last day at WalMart tuesday and I hope she is prepared to come to work the next day or Thursday. Cuz I gotta get outa here.
My pain has been crummy and I really need a full nights sleep. Helen's sleeping habits are sooooo cruddy and since she's nearly blind, she lost her cigs in the middle of the night(2:30am) and made such a fuss out here, I had to get up and come find them. Then she has begun a new problem and is not able to light them, so I'm having to get up and light her cigs for her. It's just bologna, I tell ya! So Enough of my complaining.
Our Sunday was very peaceful yesterday and I was able to really spend some time in prayer. I really needed it. I don't think I would survivie helping my friend, with out my daily prayer time. Helen Slept most of the day (which I don't like too much, but it was sunday and I could use the break) so I knew we were in for a long nights non sleep. I think her system is like a childs when they get their days & nights mixed up and she's been dwelling on her niece and why she fired her from caregiving. The family seems to not be speaking to Helen right now and I think she's worried about that too. I'm not used to adult family members fighting like this family does, so I'm lost as to what she should do about it. My own siblings and I get along great, always have big hugs & kisses when ever we see each other in town. What ever troubles any of us have had in the past, we always forgive each other and move on.
Deb; I"m gonna try and find out more with my cellphone and canadian calls. I'm sure there is a way or I need to add Canada to my list or something. So I'll get ahold of Verizon when I'm done ordering Helens groceries.
Ellie; I hope your pain is coming down to more reasonable levels and that your Monday at school goes well today. CU Later hon.
Nan; So happy to hear that your doing well today. I used to try all those brace things for my lumbar area and all they did was cause more pressure which resulted in more & more pain. One of the great symptoms I seem to have with FM, is that my skin is so sensitive, that the material in clothes can make more pain. So I end up wearing loose fitting clothes out of soft material or I will just feel like ripping my clothes off in public. I'm stuck in sweats for most of the time. UGH!
Chuck; Are you all moved over to the new house, or still working on moving out of the old? I hope your brother and maybe some family or friends are able to help you out buddy. Rod & I are very happy for you & Bobbi.
Erin; Hows you & your Hubster doing? I hope all is well. I am very interested in your points of view and hoping it will help me understand my hubby better. When I get home, I will ask my hubby some questions to see if he is feeling simulaiar to you. We've been married for 28 yrs and over 20 of those years, I was healthy and active. It took a long time for my husband to actually start caring for me. It took alot of communication and I also printed out alot of info on the net to have him read about the problems with marriage & relationships when youlive with a pain patient. Take Care, I really admire you for taking this kind of step and think you must be an amazing wife.
I'd better get moving and get my apts made, groceries ordered and all that fun stuff. I'll try and get back later. Hugs & love to all Betty
Do not be dismayed by toil or suffering, nor by the meager fruit of your labors. Remember that God rewards not according to results, but effort.
Blessed Zefirino Agostini
Posts: 1202 | Location: Home in Washington State | Registered: 11-07-2007
i got 2, maybe 3 hours of sleep last night. The pain was horrific, especially all down my legs, it kept me up most of the time. In the morning I was not any better, but had to go 2 class to make up an exam i missed the previous week cuz i was sick. That small task just completly exhausted me, it's so frustrating, knowing how strong I used to be, now I can barely do normal things. It gets me quite upset. So, now I'm resting, saving up enough energy to go 2 night class.
I appreciate each and every time someone posts back to me, cuz i'm really in alot of pain. and i really need some tips or hints on how to deal with this pain, cuz it is about to break me. I'm taking 17 credits, and I'm barely keeping up with everything. I really need help, and since the docs won't or cant give me any, I have to turn to u guys. Every night I cry myself to sleep cuz i dont know what else to do!!!
well, i have a better understanding of pain now, i pinched a nerve in my lower spine and in turn made my sciatic freak, not cool. eating t1's like candy and got into see the chiro lady today. she popped what b has been trying for for close to a week.
b and i just had our 1 year anniversary in july (i'm 25 he's 29). newlyweds to say the least but we've known each other for 7 years. as soon as we met we just fell into sync with eachother. not a day passed that we didn't spend time together, even before dating. we just so enjoyed each others company(and still do) we were very active people, always on the move. now, i'm lucky if i get b on a good day, have him medicated enough to go grocery shopping.
i cannot impress upon people what he is to me, people who have the same 'kind' of love know exactly what i mean. it goes beyond soul mates and finishing each others sentances. he gives me peace that passes all understanding. there isn't anything that i wouldn't give for that man if it meant that i could see him smile.
i do get frustrated when he isn't able to do the things that i want to do. and i do get disappointed when i get excited about things and i know he wants to go and even says so, but he says it days in advance and more often than not pain takes over. ergo frustration/disappointment. he wants me to tell him when things that like that bother him. but i don't and i will let the feelings go, eventually, but he sees the 'bottling'. i dont' want to tell him that he's the one's who's upset me, because it really isn't him, it's the pain he would go if he could, but it hurts him and he bears the consequences, not me. pain is almost like a second personality, it kinda takes over at 8 and goes nuclear at 9&10.
i don't like sharing my bed with pain but i will deal with it. not that i'm just 'taking my lot in life" but this is an obstacle and we will overcome. even if b's losing hope that we will find an answer.
my mother was sick for a good amount of my childhoood and much was spent caring for her, it's in my blood and i will do whatever necessary to keep my family together.
idris - write a letter to your profs, give them a brief run down of your symptoms and tell them you're not looking for sympathy or hand outs just to 'make them aware'. if they know you're missing cuz you're truly hurting not just hungover they might be more lenient in deadlines. what services does your school offer? i know in live in canada but at our local college because you pay tuition you get to visit the health clinic.
'i will never let you fall, i'll stand up with you forever'
Erin hit it rite on the nose. You are a student, go to the health facility at the college in dc you are going to. Do you have a family doc back home? Make your family make you an appt. go home or something. Don't take any of this cr_p from anybody....fight to get your answers Arm yourself, get po'd and go gettum girl
Hello gang I decided to drop in to say Good Night to you all.
Idris; I guess I did not realize you were in school still. I agree with the others and think you should go to the campas medical place and see what the doctor there says. I'm not really sure what they can do for you, but you might get a very valuable referral out of the apt and that could really help your situation.
I know it's very hard for younger adults to get proper pain treatment, but you've got to be tenacious about it and keep telling yourself, that you deserve to be listened to and to be treated. Pain does not care what your age is and will haunt your life all the same. I hope you did well on your test/quiz and that you were able to get back to class tonight. If you don't mind me asking? Are your parents involved with your life and are they aware of how sick you are? Do they cover you on their medical ins at all? keep your chin up, we're gonna find a way to get you some treatment, don't give up sweetie.
Erin; I really enjoy your posts. I don't know how your husband is with activities, but one thing that Rod & I had to really work out, was my ability to participate in activities. What we do now, is look at what we need to do, then discuss what I really have to go with him on and then decide if it's worth the pain for the day and maybe several days afterwards. So I quit doing things like groceries and saving my activities for things more important, even if it's our personal marital activities, as they are more important to us than me going with him to the store or what ever. I would rather be loving with him and hurt for days afterwards, than get food and not be able to be with him intimately. I hope that makes sense to you. I'm not trying to say that going grocery shopping with you is unimportant, but just using it as an example. For the two of you it might be an imporant outing, so it's one of those to each ther own things. Just thought I would try to explain that, but if I did not make sense, let me know and I will try to do it better.
Nan: Great to see you today and hope your pain pump is improving daily for you.
I received some disappointing news today. Janice is supposed to take over as Helens caregiver tomorrow, but of course, just as I warned her. WalMart wants the full two weeks notice out of her or they won't pay her the two weeks vacation that they owe her. So she has through friday to work for them and that means I'm still stuck here till the weekend. Grrrr
I ordered the groceries online today, but had to go out to the tabacco store and get cigs for Helen today. So I stopped at Rite Aid and did a little shopping for myself. They had new slippers in and I bought 4 different pairs. two for here and two for at home. Then they had these cute tops and I bought a couple of those too.
When I got back, my pain was really high, but it was worth getting out of the house and doing something quiet & nice for myself. Since my pain was so high, I called and had a pizza delivered and called it dinner. Easy.... Then I got Helen settled back in her chair and told her good night. I fell asleep at around 6or right after and woke up at 9, just in time to watch two & half men and the Big bang Theory for a few laughs. Now I'm really awake, but seriously need to sleep, so I'm gona finish my herbal tea and go to sleep.
Good Night all Sleep well Hugs Betty
Do not be dismayed by toil or suffering, nor by the meager fruit of your labors. Remember that God rewards not according to results, but effort.
Blessed Zefirino Agostini
Posts: 1202 | Location: Home in Washington State | Registered: 11-07-2007
BB2: Heh Girl, You had better start thinking about you...pretty soon....You need to find away out of this situation you are in that is bleeding you physically dry...It is really hard to say no, i know...but once you make the jump it becomes easier. Had ladies guild meeting last nite, didn't get home till 10:20 way past my bedtime(i am president) but a great meeting. Paying for it today....staying home doing nothing (hah) have a great day all
hello guys.... i had another bad day. i dont want 2 sound like i complain all the time, but u guys said this is the place if u need to vent or anything....the stabbing, shooting pain all over my body just never stops, it never goes away, literally 24/7 i hurt. i've tried everything i can think of. do u guys have any tips? I think I asked that earlier, but i didn't get any answers. I really need help, im really really sad, i cry all the time, i need support, and u guys help alot, ure the only ppl who care.
erin-i gave the letter to my profs, but most of them just laughed in my face. they aren't really nice ppl, so, they dont care. my school does not offer any type of medical care at all.
nan-it doesnt have any health facilities. And no, I don't have a family doctor, what is that? I asked chuck but he never answered.
betty-no, i don't talk 2 my parents. they dont know that im sick. they dont cover anything.
Hi, guys and gals... I hope everyone is doing well and I hope each of you have found a peaceful time and or place of rest with low or even no pain tonight.
I'm just checking in with a quick howdy because I have to work on a group project for my class. I had lots of pain last night and did not sleep well at all. It was very difficult. Then I took something to help me sleep; but I took it too close to alarm clock time and that made me very sleepy when it was time to get up. Sigh... awake when I'm supposed to be sleeping and wanting to sleep when I'm supposed to be awake. I'm sure you all have had similar symptoms and issues. That is what is nice: I know that if and when I share in this group, that people understand and can relate.
I am very happy about my new laptop. It is on payments but it is worth it. The other one was getting just too unreliable. Tonight we had a very nice dinner. I was actually feeling up to cooking a bit. Had pasta, garlic bread dipping sauce from scratch, yummy salad, etc. It was delicious!
As for you guys: Betty, you are one amazing lady. However, I know that you are working so very hard. I want you to be very careful and not get yourself into a downward spiral. Ok, honey?
Chuck, how goes the move? I know it is exhausting and I really hope you are taking good care of yourself! Don't lift boxes... be careful unpacking and bending and twisting, etc. Keep us in the loop about how you are.
Nan, hang in there. I know that those belt thingies can be so irritating. Be careful and be sure you are doing ok. Congrats on being president of the ladies guild! Sounds fascinating. I'm proud of you.
Idris, I know your case is complicated and I know your issues are driving you crazy. Please take care of yourself. You are taking lots of credit hours. But just remember: classes can always be taken over, or replaced. But there is only one YOU. Keep your priorities with your life in mind.
Erin, you are amazing for your husband. I know it is hard. My husband, in fact, is doing laundry as I lie here in laptop land with my stimulator and pills trying to cover some of the pain and not covering enough. Listen to Betty's advice; seems she and her husband have worked out so many issues. It is a process to find what works for you...what compromises are the best for your marriage and your relationship. Hang in there!
Deb, I am so glad your nerve pain has been down a bit. But that shoulder has me worried! Please take care of yourself. Your sling is your friend. I had a broken shoulder once. Although I certainly didn't have the muscle pain you have, it did make me realize how much we use our shoulders for things we don't realize involve shoulders at all. Let it heal, my dear friend.
Ok everybody, have a very nice and restful and relaxing Tuesday night. Take good care! ellie
It was a bit better day today. my pain is localized in both my hips and I'm walking like I have a stick in my bum. Both sides feel as though they are brused, I'm sure it's just arthritis and this happens when I've been on my feet too much. I'm laying with an ice pak in my lumbar area and I have it wrapped around my rite hip, as that side is the worst today.
I received some wonderful news this afternoon and my Sister said she finally talked her supervisors at Wally world into letting her go w/vacation pay and she will be here to take over on Thursday morning. I asked her to be here early, so she can get Sis her breakfast and everything and I can just get up, bathe, dress and get myself outa here.
Messages: I have two messages to share. 1) Chuck emailed me and said he would be back in a couple of days. He's busy moving in and I'm sure he has a ton of things to get done.
2) Deborama gave me a message on Facebook, she said she's be stopping in to let us know what's going on with her too. I let her know that we would all love to hear how she's doing and if her surgery is still healing and going well.
Nan; Thank you for your caring words. My stay is nearly over now and the worst part all done. My mind is focusing on thursday morning and my Sister arriving early to feed Helen her breakfast and just take over for about 10 days, so I can rest. My hubby starts his long weekend and that means when he gets home friday night, he'll be there to take care of me until late Tuesday night at 11pm, when he returns to work. so I'm arriving home at a perfect time and I know he will really baby me. He's called me every day and I can hear in his voice that he's very worried too and It does feel good to be missed, after all these years together, he still misses me and it makes me feel less of a burdin on him.
I'm really trying to look at the positive side of all this mess. It's been a very tough 2.5 weeks and not just on me, but on Helen too. Her brother is still not speaking to her for firing his daughter.
Idris; A Family doctor is a General Practicioner. They are normally the fist doctor a patient begins with and from them, you get referred on to orthopedist, neuroligists or what ever. Have you tried Yoga or light stretching for your pain. I know your thinking, "I can barely move!" but you start very easy and build very slowly with your stretches. You can also order yoga dvd's online or print out poses for your own set of routines. Have you seen a chiropractor? you might want to try one. Some people get alot of relief from chiro's, message therapists, acupuncture, etc. Have you changed your diet at all. stay away from high fat fast foods and start eating raw veggies and fruits. Salads, a little bit of pasta's and cut back on your meats. Sugar can also cause your pain to be worse. I try not to use any at all, unless it's in my granola cereals or bars. The one big thing that I've learned, is that not one thing will help your pain, it will be a combination of several things and you can begin your toolbox of home treatments, it's a trial & error thing. Have you tried hot epson salts baths. you can buy ones with linament in them or just use a cup or two of epson saltz you buy at the pharmacy. I personally take them daily in the winter and they give me a great deal of relief for a few hours. I use Village naturals saltz baths with pain and stress treatments in them. you can order them online at Hard to find brands, they are reasonably priced and help alot. I add another full cup of regular plain saltz + a 1/2 cup of baking soda to my mixture. the combo really helps with all the achiness and helps get you going for a bit. Did you go to any of the websites Deb mentioned last week? I was wondering if you found any of their info helpful at all. I will try to come up with more stuff for you hon. The best thing you can do is to educate yourself on all different types of chronic pain illnesses, so your aware of some of the treatments for which ever ones you can narrow down to your personal symptoms. I would start with Fibro if I were you, there is also a feature here that you type all your symptoms in and it will give you a list of possible illnesses. I would also give that a try too.
Ellie; Thank you sweetie for your uplifting words. I too am worried about what I'm headed for and since I've never forced myself this hard to carry on no matter what, I'm really concerned as to what type of fm flare I'm going to go into in a few days. I can already feel it coming and am trying as hard as I can to ward it off, but you know how well that works. I'm going to make me my pain clinic apt and another one with my pc soon. I did get this months meds ordered and I'm thankful that I remembered in time. Talk to you tomorrow honey.
Deb; Did you get injections in your bad shoulder again or have the last ones warn off. I know your shoulder was really painful some months ago and remember how badly you were feeling. Is this pain the same one? I'm so sorry for you. Seems like for us, it's always one thing or the other that's flared up. One day at a time sweetie. I really hope your able to sleep and ice will give you some relief. Talk to you tomorrow too.
I'm in bed and drinking my cup of herbal sleepy tea, took my night meds and getting loopie. Rod called after his boweling night and I felt badly, I could hardly follow what he was talking to me about and kept asking him dumb questions. He used to get really irritated at me, but when I said I'm sorry, my head is all fogged up and I'm not comprehending things very well. He said that's alright, get some sleep and I'll call you tomorrow. hehe poor man. I'm sure I sounded like a babbling fool and could not stay with him on the conversation.DUH!!!!Geesh that's annoying too.
I hope your all asleep and resting peacefully May Gods Peace & Love be with you all Lotsa Gentle Hugs & Love Betty
Do not be dismayed by toil or suffering, nor by the meager fruit of your labors. Remember that God rewards not according to results, but effort.
Blessed Zefirino Agostini
Posts: 1202 | Location: Home in Washington State | Registered: 11-07-2007
It was another non sleeping wild night last night. I finally got up at 4 am and asked Helen what the problem was and would she please get into bed. Her hearing is bad and when she's not got her hearing aids in, she has no idea how loud she is. She thinks she's being really quiet and for me, it's like a herd of buffalo are romping around the house. LOL She finally went to bed around 6am and now she chooses to sleep soundly. It's 11am now and if I were an honery person, I'd be runnin the vacumme on her or some sort of loud noises, but she's sleeping now and I'm not going to bother her and enjoy the quiet morning I'm having.
I only have a few things to do around here today and I'm ready to run like the wind, when my sister arrives in the morning. She's so kind, she told me not to do the clean up to prepare the house for her this time, it's been too long for me and she said she'd take care of it.
I spoke to Helens nephew this am and he's going to talk to his dad (Helens brother) to get him & Helen back speaking to each other. I told him she was not sleeping and he said she did not sound very good on the phone last night, so he could tell. Hopefully he can get these two elderly people back sleeping and we can move on.
I'm going to go get my bath taken and dress. The hot soak will do my weary bones some good and get this crazy hip to stop stabbing me so badly. I'm having trouble putting weight on it and it's driving me nuts.
Talk to you all afterbit Have a very nice day One minute at a time Friends Hugs Betty
Do not be dismayed by toil or suffering, nor by the meager fruit of your labors. Remember that God rewards not according to results, but effort.
Blessed Zefirino Agostini
Posts: 1202 | Location: Home in Washington State | Registered: 11-07-2007
BB2 and all: Rod must be a saint, taking care of you after you kill yourself taking care of someone else. YOu are lucky, he's a rare find, a keeper all right! Went to bible study this morning and to kmart after. It seems like I haven't slowed down since I got up at 6. I am truly exhausted. Maybe I'll sleep tonite. Chuck: Hope all is well, and you haven't permanently damaged yourself moving. Take it easy dude! Deb, Elle: hope you both are doing ok, the cold is coming which isn't good, makes us all feel not so good. I am staying home again tomorrow, all day. A rarity. I have lots of reports and stuff to prepare and finish. I love having a purpose! even if it's only for a day. I almost lost it today, but didn't it has been a week since I puked! yeah...finally used to this mess all over again. Still no resolve on ct of cyst on adrenal. Will have to wait. Got stuff today to start finalizing the switch to medicare as being my primary. I loose my State payed anthem on the 13th of december. I will then have to pay for my suppliment. I look forward to this like I want another device in my midsection. Oh well, we do what we have to do to survive, right? Well, I am going to try to get some sleep now. Missy down for nite, 4 walks after dinner. (spoiled?. nah) Nite all God Bless
HI, I have a lot of reading to catch up on all of you but I wish all of you low pain.
It seems that another Osteoarthritis attack has started, on top of it all. For all the new grinders, this means 6 weeks to 3 months of increasing pain and some new joint usually has a new visible deformity. GRRRR
Anyway, my family doctory (primary doc) is going to switch me from Celebrex (10 years of use) to Arthrotec in order to try to shorten this attack. We will see.
Pray for me at 2:00 pm EST. I have my conference call with the Swiss surgeon, in Switzerland to see if he will operate on me.
Betty, you are Helen's angel......no lectures about taking care of you first..........I know you are doing what you feel is best for all.....Hope your time at home is not ALL recovery time but go with what your body tells you.
Prayers for Ellie this morning for her procedure (cortisone shot under CT scan flouroscopy). You really deserve a break from pain. I hope this will really work well.
Nan: Hope you can resolve your medicare issues without too much frustration.
Chuck buddy: I hope all the moving stuff is progressing well and that you don't have to endure increased pain because of it. Hang in there.
Erin: I was wondering if you read any of the links that I suggested in the August postings? Did they help?
Idris: I am sorry I don't understand your situation. If you are in school / university, don't they require you to have medical coverage before they let you register? I know it is that way here in Canada. I had to provide proof of medical coverage for my daughter or else she had to purchase the university student coverage. Where are your parents, sweetie? I hope you don't mind me asking.
Danielle and Deborama, I would love to catch up on your news.
Hugs and love to all, Deb
As you give love out, it's received and reciprocated--and it grows. ............ and eventually it comes back. —Hill Harper
Hi everybody, I didn't sleep much last night, in so much pain, but I still made it to class. I took my quiz, and did good on it i think! then i went to the tutoring center and got some help there. traffic was awful coming home, what usually takes me 45 minutes to drive took an hour and a half. ugh i hate the drivers here, they do not know how to drive at all! so i finally got home, and tried to relax, but i just can't, not with this.
gimpy-I def feel u, with the sleep/pain thing, i can def relate, so yes, i do care, cuz i know how it feels!! and i'm happy u got a new laptop.
betty-yeah, i do light stretching 2 or 3 times a day. it doesnt help, but i still do it 2 keep in shape. a chiropractor? oh no no no, i don't do massage or acupunture at all, i tried it, and it was so painful, i hated it. yes, i eat very very healthy. i almost never do fast food, i eat really good! and....i dont have a bathtub, so, no baths 4 me!
dockside-no, my college didn't require that i buy health insurance. i don't have any. it must be different here than in canada. i dont know where my parents are, im assuming they're still living in their own seperate houses where they were a year and a half ago. i haven't talked to them since them, so i dont know.
Chronic Pain Community 
